SLU'sCare deep brain stimulation program first provides you with a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you might benefit from the procedure. Neurologists specializing in movement disorders then work with you to customize a treatment plan that is based on your specific symptoms, disease state and stage.

If a SLUCare neurologist and neurosurgeon determine that you may benefit from deep brain stimulation, a specially trained neurosurgeon will implant tiny electrodes into specific areas of your brain. Surgeons use state-of-the-art technology, such as the stealth navigator, to find the right target within the brain, helping to ensure the best possible outcome.

The surgeon will also implant a device similar to a heart pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses to the electrodes in the brain when activated. The impulses are thought to override and normalize neural activity that contribute to common symptoms of movement disorders such as tremors, stiffness, tics and gait problems.

After you have recovered from the procedure, the device implanted by the neurosurgeon is turned on and programmed by a SLUCare neurologist to help suppress your symptoms or control unwanted side effects.